Orchids other than Phals

[ianmh]

I love Phalaenopsis, but I think I'm ready to try some other kinds of orchids. Do you guys order them online or look for them around town. I live in Toronto and all I see is Phals everywhere. I know the Phals are popular because they are easier to care for and bloom a long time, but what are some good Orchids to start into after you manage to keep a Phal alive for several months.

[ezil]

Since you live in Toronto, you're ideally located to buy orchids from any of the Canadian vendors (check the COC section "orchid vendors". There are quite few in Ontario and Quebec, so it shouldn't be too hard. There are also a few good orchid societies to join and shows to visit. Keep us posted!

[RosieC]

Generally all we get in shops here is Phals as well, so I buy online or at orchid shows.

[tucker85]

Paphs have the same culture requirements as phals so they're a natural way to go. Paph. Pinnochio
can stay in bloom for months at a time. Mini and compact cattleyas are fun if you don't mind the fact that they only bloom a few weeks out of the year. The culture is much different than phals because they prefer to dry out quickly and stay dry for a while between waterings. You could start out with some easy ones like Ctna Why Not, Bc Mai Kai or Pot. Burana Beauty.

[RosieC]

I tried Dendrobiums and Paphs after starting with Phals and I found care quite easy after Phals. That would probably be my recommendation of what to look for first.

[Leafmite]

Do you have a south-facing window? Mounted brassavola, Neofinetia, and angraecums are easy and very rewarding (I grow the last two in lava rock/net pots to avoid any root trouble.). Zygos and Burrageara Nelly Isler 'Swiss Beauty do well with less light (I also grow these in lava rock, net pots) and bloom two to three times a year. All these are fragrant and quite undemanding, forgiving, and bloom regularly for me. In the summer, they go outside, getting whatever temps Ma nature throws at them, in winter they get temps between ~58'F (at night by the window) and 64'F-70'F (warmer on sunny days). I keep them a little dryer in the winter which helps to prevent root rot.
The other ones suggested are also very good and I have some of those, too. When in doubt, ask the orchid vendor.

[Ghosthunt64]

I third Paphiopedilums, and 2nd tucker's choice of Pinocchio. The only 2 differences from Phalaenopsis is they you want to water a bit more, before they dry out completely, and they're sympodial-the bloom once from a growth and then produce another one. Pinocchio stays in bloom for many months, producing flower one at a time for months at a time, young plants having no problems with going 3/4 of a year without stop. And, it's widely available, along with many of closely related and ancestral species.

[WhiteRabbit]

I have always struggled with Phals and Paphs myself, but had early success with Oncidiums and Onc alliance inter-generic hybrids, mini Catts, Dens (Den-phals, Latouria)

Neos are pretty easy to grow, but do want to be coolish in winter, so that's a consideration ...